Prevent costly roof bills by following our top 10 roofing maintenance tips to maintain a healthy roof which means a happy house.
1. Use those eyes
Regularly use those precious eyes to check the condition of the roof from the outside. If it’s too high or you don’t like heights/ladders then use a pair of binoculars to scan the roof for potential problems and signs of wear.
2. Chimneys and Flashing
Pay close attention to areas where flashing is used around Velux windows or chimney breasts. These can be problem areas for leaks which can lead to further issues. Again, check them with binoculars if getting on your roof is not possible, but remember to use a ladder if going on the roof and never walk directly on the tiles.
3. Pruning overgrowth
Any close trees with overhanging branches can cause unnecessary materials to end up on your roof and develop into a problem over time. Prune and cut back any branches that overhang or touch your roof to avoid a build-up of gunk on your roof tiles and in your guttering. Blocked gutters may also cause water damage to other parts of your house which could also be very costly so it is important to keep on top of this. If this type of job is outside your comfort zone you may want to employ a surgeon or roofer to take on this task on your behalf.
4. Clean gutters
Hot off the back of number three we need to reiterate the importance of keeping those gutters clean. Use a ladder to take out any build-up around the external guttering of the house and prevent any water from penetrating the roof and causing any tile damage. Again, get a professional if this is something you are not comfortable taking on.
5. Check the loft space
An easy way to check for any early signs of leaks or problems is to look inside the loft space or hatches of your roof. With a torch, search for dark spots or signs of water damage and moss taking hold. A good time to check this is in winter as snow and ice can cause damage and signs are more evident at this time.
6. Insulation
Good airflow is essential for a healthy roof so properly installed insulation is a must. Get professional advice on replacing the insulation if yours is looking out of date or ill-fitted. This will also protect your house from heat loss or heat gain throughout.
7. Damaged tiles/shingles
Loose or damaged shingles and tiles can lead to a costly repair if not dealt with immediately. Wind and rain can damage or shift tiles when flying objects hit the roof as well as falling branches or trees. Always check your roof regularly and repair any visibly broken/loose or shifted tiles/shingles.
8. Storm damage
As above, always check after a storm or heavy rain to see if any damage has occurred to any part of the roof including guttering and flashing. This could further prevent weather damaging the inside of the house and leading to a whole host of problems and repairs bills.
9. Moss, Lichen, and Algae
Treat any moss, lichen, or algae with the appropriate products to maintain the health of your roof and maintain the appearance of the roof from declining. A professional can do this type of job relatively quickly and, once completed, the roof can be treated with zinc or copper-based products to prevent future moss, lichen, and algae from returning. This type of treatment should only be necessary once annually if done correctly by a competent professional.
10. Get the professional in
This is probably the most obvious but often forgotten. Always use a reputable roofer who has a great rating and feedback to boot. Getting a repair done on the cheap by a ‘fly-by-night’ cowboy can cause more damage than you initially started with! ALWAYS GO WITH THE PROFESSIONALS.